Interesting Museums in DC (beyond the Smithsonian!)
Whether you’re looking to avoid crowds, discover something unique, or you’re visiting during a government shutdown (when Smithsonian museums often close their doors), there are plenty of interesting museums in DC worth exploring, from hidden art collections to lavish historic estates.
Here are some of the best independent museums and cultural spaces in Washington, D.C. to add to your itinerary. Many museums require reservation for tickets online. Oftentimes, this can even be done right before you enter.
(October 2025 note: I wrote this post during a government shutdown and I noticed that a few of these museums offer discounted or free tickets to government employees. Double-check for yourself and take advantage of it if it happens again…)
Interesting Museums in DC
Literary Vibes
Planet Word
A museum dedicated to the power of language and storytelling, Planet Word is one of the most interesting museums in DC. Exhibits are interactive and tech-driven, exploring everything from humor to poetry to how we learn languages.
Be sure to sing some karaoke or watch your favorite books come to life.
Beyond the exhibits, you can also do a puzzle-solving experience (trust me, you’ll need the full time). Wilhelm and I did a wedding-themed puzzle for our wedding, and it was sooo difficult. I thought we’d be done within an hour—false! Do it as a couple, group, or even with colleagues. This is a paid experience and you should reserve in advance.
The gift shop is so fun too and has great gifts (or things for yourself) with bookish themes.
Hours: Wednesday–Monday: 10 AM–5 PM (Closed Tuesday)
Admission: Free with reserved passes, suggested donation $15
Folger Shakespeare Library
The Folger Shakespeare Library is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare materials. It also hosts plays, lectures, and poetry readings. It takes less than an hour to move through the exhibits.
I really liked the cafe with its Harry Potter hall vibe. The quiche was great!
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday: 11 AM–6 PM; Friday & Saturday until 9 PM; Sunday: 11 AM–6 PM (Closed Monday)
Admission: Free, reserved tickets recommended
Art Museums
The Phillips Collection
America’s first museum of modern art, The Phillips Collection is known for its intimate galleries and world-class collection, featuring artists like Renoir, Rothko, and O’Keeffe. It’s set in the Dupont Circle neighborhood and feels more like an elegant home than a museum.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 11 AM–6 PM (Closed Monday)
Admission: $20, reserve online in advance
The Kreeger Museum
A hidden gem for art lovers, The Kreeger Museum houses an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century European and American art, including Monet, Picasso, and Miró, in a beautiful modernist building surrounded by sculpture gardens.
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM (Closed Sunday & Monday)
Admission: $15, reserved passes recommended
Mansions and Gardens
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
The former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood showcases her stunning art collection, jewelry, and even Russian imperial treasures.
Be sure to wander the beautifully maintained gardens. I spent two hours here wandering the home and then the garden with my mom and sister.
Go inside the greenhouse to see the orchids.
There is a cafe on site as well as garden space to picnic.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM (Closed Monday)
Admission: Recommended donation, $20
Dumbarton Oaks Museum & Gardens
A peaceful Georgetown retreat blending art, history, and landscape design. This interesting museum in DC features Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art, while the surrounding gardens are among the most beautiful in the city.
Hours: Museum: Tuesday–Sunday 11:30 AM–5:30 PM | Gardens: 2–6 PM (Mar–Oct), 2–5 PM (Nov–Mar)
Admission: Museum Free | Gardens $15
Tudor Place
Tudor Place is a mansion in Georgetown with Federal-period architecture. It houses over 18,000 decorative objects, including the largest Washington Collection outside of Mount Vernon. Guided tours are required for the mansion, but the gardens are open to all. I went with my sister and we spent an afternoon taking pictures and chatting.
Hours: Open Tuesday – Sunday
Admission: Gardens free, Mansion tour $10
The O Street Museum
Hidden inside a quirky Dupont Circle mansion, this labyrinthine museum and hotel features themed rooms, secret doors, and an eclectic mix of art, music memorabilia, and antiques. Every visit feels like a scavenger hunt. I haven’t gone yet, but it’s on my list!
Hours: Daily: 10 AM–6 PM (reservations recommended)
Admission: $30, plus extra add-ons
Innovation and Imagination
International Spy Museum
One of the most popular and interesting museums in DC, the Spy Museum dives into espionage history, spy gadgets, and modern intelligence operations. It’s a fun stop for both adults and kids, with plenty of interactive missions. It’s one of my brother’s favorite museums.
Hours: Daily: 9 AM–8 PM (varies slightly by season)
Admission: $35
Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
A newer addition to D.C.’s museum scene, this center highlights stories of innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunity that shape the American experience. It opened the week I was visiting DC in September 2025.
Although I only had an hour to explore, I really liked the interactive elements and games throughout the exhibits to help visitors understand budgeting and finances. Plan to spend two hours if you visit.
I took a quiz to see what my dream vacation would be, and I ended up with a private jet in the Amazon jungle. I love it, but where am I landing my plane?
Hours: Daily: 10 AM–6 PM
Admission: Free with reserved passes
Ghost Tour
Although not technically a museum, this DC ghost tour takes you through the history of downtown buildings from a spooky perspective! Tours run rain or shine at 7 pm, 8pm, and 9pm every day. Whether you’re a DC local, a visitor, student, or a longtime resident (like me) then this is something totally different to do. You can read my review here.
These interesting museums in DC will keep you occupied!